Current opinion in hematology
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Curr. Opin. Hematol. · May 2011
ReviewEndothelial activation, dysfunction and permeability during severe infections.
Over the last few years, there have been major advances in our understanding of the role of the microvascular endothelium in the pathogenesis of severe, systemic infections. ⋯ The ratio of the secreted endothelial growth factors, angiopoietin-2 and angiopoietin-1 appears to be a useful prognostic tool during severe infections. Finally, agents that enhance endothelial barrier integrity may prove useful as therapies for sepsis.
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Curr. Opin. Hematol. · Jan 2011
ReviewNeutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin as a marker of acute renal disease.
Acute renal disease has major prognostic impact in hospitalized patients. Early diagnosis using renal function markers such as serum creatinine or urinary output and effective treatment are currently not possible. This review focuses on recent studies examining the biological characteristics and the diagnostic and prognostic value of a novel biomarker, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), in patients at risk for acute renal disease. ⋯ NGAL fulfills many characteristics of an appropriate 'real-time' renal biomarker. The data on NGAL could justify re-assessment of the concept and definition of acute kidney injury.
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Curr. Opin. Hematol. · Nov 2010
ReviewAnalysis and clinical relevance of microparticles from red blood cells.
The mechanisms involved in the formation of red blood cell (RBC) microparticles in vivo as well as during erythrocyte storage are reviewed, and the potential role of microparticles in transfusion medicine is described. ⋯ Formation and role of RBC microparticles are far from being completely understood. Combining various approaches to elucidate these mechanisms could improve blood product quality and transfusion safety. Implementation of RBC microparticles as biomarkers in the laboratory routine needs to overcome technical barriers involved in their analysis.
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The purpose of this review is to summarize the recent experimental and clinical literature on the pathogenesis of transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI). ⋯ TRALI requires an immune priming step followed by transfusion of a blood product with either leukocyte allo-antibodies or biological response modifiers. TRALI invokes an acute immune response dominated by neutrophils interacting with platelets and the lung endothelium.
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Curr. Opin. Hematol. · Sep 2010
ReviewPreclinical and clinical progress in hemophilia gene therapy.
Hemophilia A and B are attractive target diseases for gene therapy, as stable expression of coagulation factor VIII and IX may correct the bleeding diathesis. This review focuses on the recent progress in preclinical and clinical studies in gene therapy for hemophilia A and B. ⋯ New insights from clinical trials and advances in preclinical studies may ultimately pave the way toward a cure in patients suffering from hemophilia.